A charity rhododendron walk raised more than £2,000 to support Guide Dogs for the Blind.

More than 80 people took part in the walk which was in the gardens of Injebreck House in West Baldwin, courtesy of Julie Spittall.

Karen Callin, of the Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: ’Injebreck takes its name from "Inga-Brekka" meaning Inga’s slope and was home to an early Viking settlement.

’Towards the end of the 19th century, the grounds were turned into pleasure gardens to which visitors would travel from Douglas by horse-drawn carriages.

’Much work was done to restore the grounds and pathways visible today beneath fully-grown trees and the stunning specimen rhododendrons.’

Guests enjoyed coffee and home-made cakes after the ramble.

A guide dog costs on average £56,400 from birth to retirement.

All guide dogs are specifically bred and trained in the UK and subsequently carefully matched with their owner. Once matched the guide dog partnership continues to receive support from the guide dogs charity.

When a guide dog retires the owner may apply for a new dog for as long as they are willing and able to keep one.

Ms Callin said: ’It is the aim of the Isle of Man branch to raise sufficient funds each year to support the local guide dog partnerships. The next planned fundraising event is a dinner on the November 16, at Howarths restaurant in the Regency Hotel.’

The fundraising committee thanked Mrs Spittall for opening her home and gardens in support of the charity and to Conister Bank, which sponsored the event.